THE wife of a worker who lost an arm in an industrial accident has thanked a quick-thinking colleague who saved his life.

Ron Aspley’s left arm was severed at his shoulder after he became trapped in a band saw machine.

Workmate Adrian Bishop almost certainly prevented a worse tragedy when he rushed to the scene and switched off the equipment on hearing Mr Aspley’s screams.

Mr Aspley, 56, was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, where he underwent emergency surgery, and is expected home tomorrow (Friday) following the incident at Weavo Fencing, on Hatch Mews Business Park, Station Road, Hatch Beauchamp, shortly before 3pm on Saturday.

His wife of 25 years, Lorain, said: “I’m just glad Ron’s alive – and that’s thanks to Adrian who switched off the machine.

“Ron’s very brave and being positive, but he knows how close he came to death.

“We’re all devastated, it’s been a huge shock, but I’m so grateful for all the support from family and friends and everyone at Weavo.”

Mr Aspley was released from the machine by firefighters working with Dr James Hickman, of the volunteer SAVES doctors, while ambulance staff administered pain relief.

Weavo director David Marks said Mr Aspley, who has two children with his wife and four from a previous marriage, got his hand stuck in the feed mechanism of the machine, which then dragged in his arm.